Planning a Trip

Getting There

Trains depart from and arrive at the RENFE station on Calle Cardero (tel. 90-224-02-02), about .8km (1/2 mile) north of the Plaza de España. Each day there are six trains to and from Cáceres (trip time: 1 hr.), five trains to and from Madrid (5-6 hr.), one to and from Seville (3 hr.), and seven to and from Badajoz (1 hr.). The fare from Madrid to Mérida is 30€ to 46€, depending on the type of train (local, morning, or night express train).

The bus station is on Avenida de la Libertad (tel. 92-437-14-04), near the train station. Every day there are 7 buses to and from Madrid (5 1/2 hr.), 6 to 12 buses to and from Seville (3 hr.), 3 buses to and from Cáceres (1 hr.), and 5 to 10 buses to and from Badajoz (1 hr.). From Mérida to Madrid, the fare is 23€ local to 33€ express; Mérida to Seville, 13€; Mérida to Cáceres, 10€; and Mérida to Badajoz, 9€.

To drive, take the N-V superhighway from Madrid or Lisbon. Driving time from Madrid is approximately 5 hours; from Lisbon, about 4 1/2 hours. Park in front of the Roman theater and explore the town on foot.

Visitor Information

The tourist office, at Santa Eulalia 64 (tel. 92-433-07-22; www.turismoextremadura.com), is open April to September Monday to Friday 9:30am to 1:45pm and 5 to 7pm, and Saturday 9:30am to 2pm. Off-season hours are Monday to Friday 9:30am to 2pm and 4 to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 2pm. These are the official hours, but don't expect the staff to interpret them too literally.